LIPSTICK

Never underestimate the power of well-applied lipstick. There are different ways to achieve the perfect pout. Practice is the best way to discover your perfect application. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, here are 5 easy steps to achieving the perfect pout.

1. Moisturize your lips

Your favorite Liquid Courage lip color always goes on better after exfoliating and applying a lip balm of your choice. According to Dr. Jen, “Flawless makeup begins with great skincare.”Achieve the perfect lipstick application by exfoliating your lips with a toothbrush or sugar scrub and moisturize daily or at least 3 times a week.

2. Apply concealer base

Add concealer to the lips to create the perfect primer. Smile while applying to fill in any grooves. Blend uneven areas with your finger or makeup sponge. Once it dries, you’re ready for lip liner, if desired, and lip color. Taking a minute to add a concealer base will help your lip color last longer, show its true color, and prevent feathering.

3. Cupid’s bow vs. bottom lip application

Lip color application varies from person to person. Some dive right in and apply the Cupid’s bow and then the bottom lip. Others love to swipe the bottom lip first and then direct their focus to getting the perfect Cupid’s bow application. Regardless if you start with the Cupid’s Bow or the bottom lip, a smooth application is key!

4. Blot lips

Remove excess lipstick by blotting your lips with a tissue square or pulling your finger through pressed lips. Set lipstick with a dust of translucent powder, if desired, and then check your lips for final touchups. For a heavy lip, apply more lip color and repeat the blotting process.

5. Finish the look

With a thin brush, apply concealer around the outer edge of lips to clean them up. Accentuate Cupid’s bow with highlighter pencil. If you’re going for an ultra shiny lip, apply lip gloss.

Have an idea for our next blog post? We would love to hear from you. Leave a comment or send an e-mail to info@theliquidcourage.com.

Liquid lipsticks have become more and more popular over the last few years, and due to their endless benefits, they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. It isn’t all roses though and there are still some aspects which make the traditional lipstick a favorable choice. Discover all of the ups and downs of liquid and traditional bullet lipsticks.

Why we love liquid lipsticks so much:

Highly pigmented

Liquid lipsticks have high pigmentation for an opaque look, meaning you can achieve the look you’re after in just one swipe. Alternatively, with a little bit of blotting, you can reduce the heaviness for a softer everyday look. If bold lips are your thing, you definitely need a liquid lipstick (or ten) in your collection.

No liner needed

Liquid lipsticks are perfect for creating precise and crisp lines, whereas traditional lipsticks need an additional lip-liner to achieve the same look. So if you’re after a well-defined lip shape and are tired of feathering lipsticks, a liquid lipstick might just be your best option.

They just don’t budge

Liquid lipsticks are known for their longevity. Once the product has set, it has set for the day. With some traditional lipsticks, you may have to touch up on an hourly basis, whereas once liquid lipsticks have dried down, they won’t smudge, transfer or fade. Say goodbye to lipstick-stained glasses and constant touch ups!

Where traditional lipsticks come out top:

Liquid lipsticks are hard to apply

Applying liquid lipstick is a skill which requires a steady hand, and if you haven’t mastered the art then you may suffer with wonky lines and uneven coverage. You’ll definitely need a mirror at hand and a few more minutes on the clock. It is also more hassle to touch up. You’ll need to remove all the product and start again which isn’t exactly ideal for on-the-go ladies.

Liquid lipsticks can be drying

Most liquid lipsticks dry to a matte finish and are designed to last for a long time. This means they can be incredibly drying, especially if you compare them to a creamy bullet lipstick. Easily avoid drying by never applying liquid lipstick to already dry lips. You’ll always have the perfect moisture if you apply lip balm before and after application.

Traditional lipsticks are easier to remove

If you’ve got a bold and bright lip on, then it’s always going to require a little more work to remove it, but with liquid lipsticks, the job can sometimes feel impossible. Don’t even attempt to wash it with water-based solutions. Always choose an oil formula to tackle it and wipe it right off.

There you have it, the good, the bad and the ugly of traditional and liquid lipsticks. Now that you’ve decided which is best for you, have a browse through our collection to find the perfect shade.

DeAnna says, “Courage is pushing past fear – being able to see the fear and choosing to not let it stop you. Courage is honoring that which you feel and know is right and best for you and your life. Courage is the choice and act of loving self completely and fully, with acceptance of who you are at any and every moment. Courage is action. Courage is choice. Courage is a way of BEing.”

“The most courageous thing I have done this year is let go. To consciously examine my life – relationships, habits, dreams, fears, thoughts, ways of being – and upon reflection, consciously choose to let go of that which no longer served me, my life and the direction I’m headed in. And it’s been hard … real hard. It’s been scary … very scary. Yet, the cost of holding on was a price I no longer was willing or wanted to pay. So, the most courageous thing I have done this year is choose DeAnna and place my health, joy, peace of mind and overall well-being first and center. The most courageous thing I’ve done is to remember and return to loving me”, says DeAnna.

When asked, what advice would she give another woman who is in need of courage to deal with a difficult situation? Deanna says, “Trust your knowing. We know what to do in every situation, yet we are not always taught and/or supported in trusting that knowing. Develop the ability within your self to trust that knowing, that deep feeling, in essence, your intuition. You have everything you need within you; don’t be so quick to give that power away by not trusting it.”

“Courage is believing in yourself despite what the world says about you. You are not defined by someone else’s view. You are GOD’s creation. Walk like it”, says Crystal-Marie.

When asked, what was the most courageous thing she’s done recently, she says “Publish my book, The Diva Diaries Living Through Tough Seasons. It’s been on my goals list for years and I finally found the courage to share my story.”

What advice would you give another woman who is need of courage to deal with a difficult situation? Everything happens in its season. I know… we’ve all heard this before. But it’s true. Sometimes God will shut doors that you so desperately want to stay open because He is getting you ready for the blessings He has for you. He is about to take you to the next level so don’t hold on to something He is trying to take from you. Surround yourself with good people who can speak into your life at the right moment and who encourage you in your best season as well as your most difficult one. Get the lesson from the situation you are in but don’t let it define the rest of your life. A difficult situation or season is just a chapter in your book. Let go and let God!

One of the things I love most about Liquid Courage Cosmetics is the Chocolate Kisses Lip Lacquer! The color is AMAZING and is my everyday courage color. ~Crystsl-Marie Mitchell

Jessica Larche, a New Orleans native, struggled with obesity issues her entire life. In her mid 20s, the 5’3 news reporter hit her highest weight of 267 pounds. In the summer of 2012, a scary high blood pressure diagnosis made her realize that her life was at stake and she had the power to make a lifestyle change to save it.

Jessica says health and fitness is a lifelong journey, and the best motivation is found in the courage to love yourself to healthy. Jessica’s 100 pound weight loss was recently featured on Woman’s Day Magazine.

Jessica Larche, who is also an Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster and Healthy Living Champion, kicked off our first Courage Speaks Series last month. Courage Speaks is a part of our new virtual masterclass made available through Courage University, our new educational platform. The goal of Courage Speaks is to expose our audience to women who excel in breaking down barriers and societal norms in any facet of life.

Hear what five courageous steps she took to lose 100 pounds after her scary high blood pressure diagnosis. Click here to watch the live broadcast on YouTube.

Lip Color: Chocolate Kisses lip lacquer and a bit of pink and nude pencils to give her lips a bit of a pop.

We are pleased to highlight Tevyka Heyward as this weeks Woman of Courage. We first met T during last years Blogalicious conference and she’s been one of our most loyal Liquid Courage customers.

T says, “Courage is following the path set forth in one’s heart and mind, regardless of what obstacles may stand in your way.”The most courageous thing T did this year was pursue her passion for event planning by starting a certification program and training for her 1st Spartan Race which she completed on August 1.

T offers the following advice for others who are need in courage, “Don’t dwell on past negativities, use every experience as a tool for learning. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and be different. It’s easier said than done but once you accept what you really want to get out of life, walking away from the norm is the most courageous thing you can do, for yourself and others.”

T has taken this motto literally over the past few years from her experiences in the military to her current education and employment goals. “I’m willing to walk away from something that doesn’t fit my needs or at least approach it on my own terms.”

Sharelle says, “Courage is the ability to face your fears even during times of adversity.” Sharelle is all too familiar with women facing their fears daily by lending her talents, time, and energy to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. Sharelle has not only donated countless hours but has raised money for the organization.

Sharelle also has a passion for fitness and finds time to teach Zumba classes on top of her already busy schedule. “I have always led a pretty active lifestyle: from cheerleading, to dance, soccer, running, aerobics and most importantly my love for the Susan G. Komen 60 Mile Walk. In October 2009, I transitioned from Atlanta, Georgia where I worked with several personal trainers for my personal fitness as well as fundraiser endeavors for Breast Cancer. Upon my return an old high school friend of mine was advertising a Zumbathon so I decided to check it out. What do you know – it was LOVE AT FIRST DANCE and within a year I became a Zumba Instructor” says Sharelle. If you are in DC metro area check out her Zumba class.

The most courageous thing Sharelle has done this year is “stay true to myself and my beliefs even when it was easier to go with the popular vote.”

What advice would you give another woman who needs courage to deal with a difficult situation?I would say take a deep breath and think about what you would do if you were not afraid. Hold on to that feeling and go with it. You will not regret the choice. And, you will breathe easier knowing that you went with your gut instinct.”

Do you like Sharelle’s lip color? Sharelle is wearing Dare Devil, matte lipstick by Liquid Courage Cosmetics, which is available for pre-order.

Muriel says, “Courage is being afraid but forging ahead anyway. Fear is natural; pushing past it lets me see exactly what I’m made of and gives me opportunities to discover more of who I am and how strong I can be. Every day I work towards fearlessness… The closer I get, the more unstoppable I become.”

When asked what was the most courageous thing she’s done this year, Muriel said, “fall in love. The vulnerability that love requires necessitates putting one’s ego aside and deciding to embrace the complete uncertainty of letting another person in. I’m so glad I didn’t allow negative past experiences to deter me from bravely taking a step towards happiness with an amazing man who never passes up a chance to tell me how amazing he thinks I am.”

This Brooklynite offers the following advice to any woman who is in need of courage. “Even if it’s not readily apparent, you already have exactly what you need to get through what you’re dealing with. Listen to your intuition, your gut; allow it to guide you in the right direction. You may try to ignore it, explain away something you know isn’t right, or make excuses for why you can’t make the move you know you need to make, but it is still speaking to you. Trust yourself and have faith that you possess the courage to get yourself where you need to be.”

This week we are celebrating Jessica McFadden as our Everyday Woman of Courage. As a mom, freelance writer, and blogger one would think it would be impossible to find the time to go back to school but this is not the case for Jessica. When asked what was the most courageous thing she’s done this year, Jessica said “focus on my education which meant going back to school in pursuit of my graduate degree. It will be a juggle with work and three children, but I am excited about this new journey.”

We can learn a lot from Jessica with her recent ‘courage move” so we asked her what advice would she give another woman who is need of courage. Jessica offers the following advice, “It is never too late to choose the path that makes your heart sing, be it career, relationships, financial stability or health. Making the choice to do something different is the toughest part. The rest of it — even the hardest work — will make you happy.”

How do you define Courage? “Courage is consulting your conscience — not the opinions of others — when faced with a challenge, and choosing the path that is good and true.”

Did this story resonate with you in some way? If so, share this post with all the Courageous women you know!!!!